Lego Mindstorms Compatible Temperature Sensor

(Click on any picture to enlarge)

Just for the sake of having it, neither
I nor this site have any affiliation with Lego, Lego group, Lego
systems or Lego MindStorms. Also, I am not responsible for any
damage to your RCX and/or computer that may result from the use
of the knowledge/designs stored on this WebSite.

After acquiring my MindStorm's robotic invention system (v1.0)
I began performing tests on the brick to see if any the theories
I had (for future sensors) were feasible. I quickly discovered
the four basic modes. (Touch, light, rotation & temperature)

Now the temperature sensor port intrigued me so I began looking
around to see what I could find that was compatible. I was at
first looking for one of those electronic temperature sensors
that you would have at your window with the sensor being outside.
Then I came across
the Radio Shack Thermistor (part number 271-110A) and discovered
that this was almost exactly what I needed. My initial thought
was to cut one of the wire leads and solder one end on to the
temperature sensor somewhat like the light sensor is configured.

However, I find
that limiting and wanted to see if I could do better. Then while
looking through the Lego shop @ home catalog I noticed the most
wonderful thing, electric plating (part number 5037)! Unfortunately
you can't get 2 by 2 plate. 1 by 2, 2 by 4 or 2 by 8 is all they
seem to make.

How to construct it

So I got the idea of cutting the 2 by 8 plate
into four pieces thereby creating the 2 by 2 plate's that I required.
(In the photo you can see that I used the two end pieces with
the hacked ends to hold the sensor)

I then took the temperature sensor and bent it into the general
shape that I wanted it to be. I then notched out part of the little
circle on the bottom of the top plate and pressed the sensor into
place. (As you can see in the photo) all that was left was to
push the bottom plate onto the top plate and glue it into place.
(As you can see the photo just before it was glued)

This design has the added bonus of being able to use a small
or large wire (with about one degree C of signal loss with the
large wire) as your choice. You can also use the top or the bottom
to connect the sensor as both plates are active.

That's about
it, if you have any questions you may contact me via email. Enjoy!